My First Gaming Build (Z170) - Feedback Wanted

Sharknat0

Reputable
Jul 1, 2015
13
0
4,510
I am almost ready to order parts for my first gaming build. This is my first time ever building a PC, and I would like some constructive feedback on my build. I intend to use it to play the latest games, as well as upcoming games, preferably at maximum settings. I am planning on upgrading or expanding on this build in the future as necessary. I would like to have the option of overclocking available to me, so any feedback on how well this rig could handle that would be much appreciated. I am also considering SLI, multiple monitors (possibly with a 4K monitor), and streaming or making some Let's Plays. I am also planning on getting VR gear later this year or sometime next year, so I would also like to know if this rig would be able to handle VR.

Here is my parts list:
[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/F8Bryc) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/F8Bryc/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80662i56600k) | $244.99 @ Amazon
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2) | Purchased For $0.00
**Motherboard** | [Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz170xgaming7) | $199.95 @ Amazon
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cmk16gx4m2a2666c16r) | $64.99 @ Newegg
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7ke256bw) | $126.99 @ Amazon
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex) | $53.99 @ Amazon
**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB FTW ACX 2.0+ Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-06gp44996kr) | $661.98 @ Newegg
**Case** | [Cooler Master HAF X ATX Full Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc942kkn1) | Purchased For $0.00
**Power Supply** | [EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220g20850xr) | $114.99 @ Amazon
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $19.99 @ Newegg
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 10 Home Full - USB (32/64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-kw900016) | Purchased For $0.00
**Monitor** | [AOC G2460PG 144Hz 24.0" Monitor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/aoc-monitor-g2460pg) | Purchased For $0.00
**Keyboard** | [Corsair K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-keyboard-ch9000068na) | Purchased For $0.00
**Mouse** | [Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/logitech-mouse-910004074) | Purchased For $0.00
**Headphones** | [Kingston HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Channel Headset](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-headphones-khxhscprd) | Purchased For $0.00
**Speakers** | [Logitech Z313 25W 2.1ch Speakers](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/logitech-speakers-980000382) | Purchased For $0.00
| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1512.87
| Mail-in rebates | -$25.00
| **Total** | **$1487.87**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2016-05-09 20:32 EDT-0400 |

I may be getting some of these components (video card, CPU, mobo, memory, and either the SSD or HDD) in a Newegg Configurator bundle). Are these worth it in terms of warranty and that sort of thing?
Also, I have a gift card I received from Newegg that I plan to use on this purchase. Does Newegg permit using gift cards on configurator bundles? Can rebates be applied to these sorts of bundles?

Thanks for your feedback!
 
Solution
GPU is likely not worth it, wait for the 1080 to reach stores at the end of the month, or early next month for the non-reference models.

Power supply is a tad oversized.

Sharknat0

Reputable
Jul 1, 2015
13
0
4,510


If I were to get the 1080, would I need to change any of the things currently in my build? I would like to order my parts and build my PC sooner rather than later, as I start law school in mid-August.
 
Build looks very good, the Gaming 7 is a strong overclocking board. A few suggestions, but nothing mandatory. I would probably switch the RAM to a set designed especially for Skylake CPU's, such as the GSkill V series. There is a known problem using RAM designed for earlier CPU's which causes compatibility issues when using faster RAM on some boards. Apparently the micro code for the XMP profile is written differently and they might not play well together. Not sure if this is the case with your combination, but why take a chance.

You can get a Cryorig H7 instead of the Evo, it cools better and only costs a few dollars more. The 850 watt PSU is a great choice if you intend to use SLI in the future, otherwise a 650 would be plenty.

And as said above, the GTX 1070/1080 will be out in a few weeks. The 1070 is said to have performance similar to the current GTX 980 Ti and will retail for $379.00.
 

Eximo

Titan
Ambassador
You can build and operate that system without a GPU, only takes a few minutes to install a graphics card at a later date.

Power down
side panel off
remove any expansion slot covers
insert card
install screws
insert PCIe power connectors
plug monitor cable into GPU
replace side panel (though you should probably power it up once to make sure the fan(s) work)
power on
install drivers
play games!
 

gondo

Distinguished
Listen to the memory advice given by BadActor.

The new 1080 is hitting the market on May 27. If you can wait 3 weeks it's must faster than a 980Ti at a similar price. If you cannot wait EVGA has a step up program you can take advantage of.

The Cryorig is better than the Coolermaster as already stated.
 

Garilia

Distinguished
Mar 28, 2014
586
0
19,360
That Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is pretty good. I used it in my first build, but I will be using the Cryorig H7 in my next build. The Hyper 212 has a footprint that can interfere with the air spoilers on some RAM modules, making it impossible to fit a module into the first slot. This becomes an issue if you plan to instal RAM modules in all 4 slots. It looks like you already have the Hyper 212, so this is for future reference as the Cryorig is a newer CPU cooler.

If you SLI two 980ti's, your power demand increases to 712w, so an 850 gives you enough room. I usually use a 750w of that same model as my go to PSU. It's a solid unit. I love the full modular cabling.

Here's a link to the RAM modules I'd suggest:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231888